We arose at the crack.
The kids were puking and diarrheaing… but we were healthy, so off we went!
The grandmother arrived on time to hold down the fort for the day. Thanks Grandma!
Off we went… Brimfield Bound!
There was only a small snag. As we rounded a corner just a few miles from the goodness… Annmarie came to stop… for no apparent reason… I looked at her and she said…
"I think we just ran out of gas."
So we start to walk – headed one direction, but didn't see any promise of a gas station, so we headed back the other direction… "should we hitch hike?" we tossed the idea around "are we safe together to get in the car with a stranger?" and then we saw HIM… we flagged down a dude in a truck with an orange light. Side of his truck said "service station". A quick call to AAA and $8 worth of gas later we were off!
The rest of these pictures are from the phone… but I hope they captured the goodness that was Brimfield:
Annmarie and I both bought a few of these (above) little apothecary jars… they are teeny-tiny… like good to keep your rings or medicine in… who knows, but they were cute and cheap.
Above was a table full of andirons… didn't buy any, but loved that gold buckle design.
Not that I needed any matchbooks… but…
This sink was probably the biggest regret… for Annmarie. I told her she "should" but that little problem of "no place to put it right now" came into her mind. I didn't press it… I was seeing images flash in my brain of the 6 faucets I own that I have no place for. (Plumbing Fixture Addicts Anonymous)… but it was gorgeous. The profile on the sink, the brass fittings, the bowl… all in great condition. $300. We left without it.
Heavenly. Seriously. Vintage trims. I wanted these but took a clipping, and will buy it if I really can find a place for it…
I thought this was a zinc sink, til I touched it… soapstone. I wish I had a kitchen project for this one. While we are on sinks… check this one out:
Here are the valves that accompanied that one:
Annmarie, we should have bought these plates.
Okay, so when I saw this guy (below) I thought to myself "who is that guy?" Do you know who he is? (probably not) He is who I bought my burled mahogany chest from at Round Top! How funny is that… it took us a minute to figure the connection out… but we got it. Did I tell you all that Martha B. pulled through for me and had a knob that fit that old chest perfectly. Anyway, I had to take his picture and send it to Courtney instantly for a little game of "remember this guy"!? I saw 3 or 4 great vendors who were also at Round Top… which was super fun.
Like the guys selling all this goodness:
This is for my sister… because she loves dolls (kidding). Molds for doll heads. Only kidding, these are a little on the scary side.
This was my favorite sight… these sculptures of dresses (a set of 3)… molded wire, painted… and very cool.
This is another favorite… this fabulous booth of real French antiques… linens specifically. I was in awe over these striped… ummm… what-are-these…
You'll never guess what that is… so I'll tell you. ESPADRILLE material! Straight from France.
You know, like the shoes:
So while Annmarie and I were brainstorming how to reinvent the espadrille fabric I heard someone say my name behind me. Who would I know in the middle of no where Massachusetts?
I turned around a nice lady who I did not recognize said "I'm Staci, you had pictures of our farm on your blog. My husband used to work with your dad." I almost fell over… with elation! Staci and her husband John are friends of my parents that go waaayyy back. Staci lives only about 5 minutes from Annmarie and it was a delight to visit with her! Remember their farm in Vermont? Double Dog Farm… go check THIS out if you missed it the first go around. This really is a small world… I love it. Staci, I'm coming to Vermont… soon! Very soon! Here's a snapshot of us.. (it's small intentionally… it was hot and I had no make-up on)
So, here's my biggest regret. These giant bins would have been perfect for fabric samples in the office… but they were big, and I feared arranging coordination on getting them home. $50. Should've. They are from a shoe factory in Maine.
Okay, this is the portion of the show where I somehow lost my mind. Tell me this is normal… Annmarie talked me into buying this yellow antique bassinet. I AM NOT PREGNANT and I DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN. But somehow she threw in a few "I have one and paid 8 times that price for mine, and mine is not that cute", and a "you haaave to get it", and a "look how cute it is". Okay, so this is the truth… it is cute. So I bought it. Then I freaked out and sent a picture to my friend Marla who photographs (mostly) children and told her I bought it so she could use it to take pictures of kids in it. HA. Then when we have kids I'll do a lead paint test on it and put it to good use. For now: it's in Annmarie's basement… safe and sound.
I don't know why this woman (above) intriguied me… but she did. She looks pilgrim-ish and felt suitable for that region of the US… I guess kind of like seeing cowboy boots and hats at Round Top.
We finished the day off with this:
And then hauled our crap to the car… and went home
Now the first question I got from my close friends "how did it compare to Round Top?"… it was equally fabulous as Round Top. I spent more time in Round Top… so it wasn't really an apples to apples comparison, the prices were better at Brimfield for sure! It was a blast… if you ever get a chance to hit either of these shows – do it!
The wayward bassinet is the first step – you’ll know the ins and outs of folic acid before you know it. Looks like a great trip. Adore that you had ice cream AND the brownie.
I love, love, love that bassinet!!! I would LOVE to find one of those for Rabbit in the Moon. And the dress forms would be wonderful for little girl’s room. I really need to go on a buying trip to Brimfield. use my “free” travel miles!
OK, the trim and the espadrille fabrics are GREAT! I wish I knew where to find that great yellow trim. I love it and am sure I could find some use for it. Glad you had a good time, after your computer issues, you deserved a break!
I think we’re going to try and go to Round Top next time. It just looks too good to pass up.
If someone had told me bolts and bolts of French fabric were from ESPADRILLES, I would have caved. And then JJ would be wondering what we were doing with rolls of shoe fabric. I know no limits.
And did they have vanilla cones in Brimmy? Cause I’m not much of a chocolate ice cream fan. And their prices may be better than RT, but I bet they didn’t have a roach coach Taco truck
Just teasing. This trip looks insanely perfect. Too much goodness to soak in. Those wire dress forms, that bassinet, everything! Thanks for all the great pics. xx
I love the pix, gives you a real sense of the wide variety of items. I was at the Pasadena flea market years ago and found tons of things I loved but same problem, how to get it home, since I live in PA. Still wish I had some of those things. Maybe I will go t the Atlantic City “Antiquecity” show coming soon. xo, MB
OH! I feel like I just spent the day there with you…LOVE all the peeks you gave us. The bassinet..Lovely! What else did’ja get, Hmmmm?????
your trip was amazing, as is brimfield! i loved all the photos and everything in them; the sinks, the vintage luggage and trims, the sliding doors, the industrial cabinet, and the bins (don’t you hate those ‘should have’ moments). thanks for sharing!
Wow – looks like such a fun time! You found some great items too. I love your commentary on each item – had me cracking up!
I have explored Brimfield several times but haven’t been in 10 years. Thanks for bringing back some happy memories. One of my oldest friends sells silver jewelery near the Barn. Perhaps you saw her. Thanks again for sharing.
LOVE EVERYTHING except the DOLLS. Aunt Glenny would have liked those!
Love you!
I am so jealous I cant even stand it- and for the record the bassinette is fabulous! Would love to one day run away to Brinfield-
love this post
Love all the photos from your trip to Boston.. Great Brimfield pics.. I was there and saw most of the same stuff but with a different view point… The old medicine cabinet made my heart skip. Erika.. Would love to have you come up to Vermont.. Plane tickets on me..Tell your Dad and Mom to come too.. My husband says… Ed pays for himself… Ha.. Would love to have you up here Any season is good.. But fall is best or Feb. when there is tons of pristine snow.
Funny seeing you at Brimfield.. it freaked me out a little though.
Staci
Oh my goodness so many great treasures! You definitely have will power to pass so many loads of goodies. I love, love the bassinet! Until you are ready to use it- it will make a great storage for bath towels-LOL… The sinks and large bins (shoe factory) are simply amazing- I love them too!
Erika-
You should organize a “Brimfield for Bloggers Day” next year! I’ll be the first to sign up!
Martha B.
I’m with Martha! Round Top, Brimfield (sigh) both look like my Heaven on Earth. Glad you had a great time and the bassinette is to-die!
Great photos, great day out! Loved the bassinet. You could definitely use it straight away. I bet your dogs would love a little bed like that. Also, I would have had a hard time leaving that double pedestal sink behind. Oh boy, could I use that in my basement laundry area. Fabby!
GREAT pics of Brimfield! So much to ponder and sort through! I would never be able to make a decision…..I am SURE of that!
Glad you had so much fun, E!
Thanks for sharing!…………….MIMILEE<><
I love Round Top, but I’ve been dying to go to Brimfield at some point too. How great you got to do both within a year!! Thanks for the amazing photos!
totally unfair…you get to go to all the great stuff…i need to get out more often.
Oh my, so many wonderful things! I saw those baby heads, and I’m more than a little worried that they’ll be visiting me in my nightmares… Some of your other finds caught my eye as well, like the storage bins. I was on a very limited scope though, so I had to just keep promising myself that I’ll go back in May for my own house!
If you do end up coming to Vermont, you will have to stop by and see our (Brimfield-filled!) Inn – I’d love to meet you!
Those vintage trims made me want to both cry and try and figure out a way to justify buying them ALL! There’s no way I would have been so strong as to just leave with a clipping….
The trims and the cribs I would have ben unable to resist. What a trip! wow…
Erika – it’s me Laurie, Annmarie’s other BFF. I am so sorry I missed Brimmy . . . and now that the truth is out about running out of gas – I am really sorry. That would have never happened with you in my care. Next time let’s make sure to plan the trip when it’s NOT the first week of school!
So you joined the “Brimmy death trap” club – AM & I both have purchased vintage baby sleeping devices at brimmy – how can you not . . oh the photo shoots (just don’t tell DSS)!
Finally to give credit where credit is due . . the yummy wee carriage in Lucy’s room on mantle – gift from me . . .
The fantabulous vintage cocktail “cocktail” napkins – gift from . . .that’s right yours truly . . .
I wonder if in fact you should be a guest in my house (not to break up the infatuation) next time – FYI I do have a guest room . . . hmmmm where did you sleep at Anna’s house? w/ro ro?
Glad you came and conquered – so sorry to have missed it . . . Though apparently Miss Anna attended to you (in her very unique style) very well!
All the best!
Laurie
Erika:
Will you be at Round Top in a couple of weeks? Actually, Warrenton? I’m so excited I’ve been able to extend my visit home long enough to make it for “preview weekend” on the 27th! If you have any wild hairs and wanna go, I’ll meet you there!
Love the Brimfield pics, looks very yummy!
Oh my gosh, so get this: I’m not even MARRIED, and yes, no children, not pregnant, etc. And I use that “for my future child” excuse to buy things on those rare occasions when I can not otherwise justify buying it and yet, still want it. I’m glad I’m not the only one who does that.
I’m heading to Round Top this fall for the first time. At least that’s the plan. I just need to talk someone who has an SUV into going with me. Can’t wait!
Having never been to Brimfield, but itching with curiousity, this post was a complete treat for me! I don’t know how I’ve missed your blog before, but am adding you to my blog roll now! Edward and I are here via Patricia at PVE and we’ve really enjoyed our visit!
Waouh! So many treasures all in one place..!
I’d LOVE to be all to access as much treasure all at once.
Here, where EVERYTHING is on a small scale, flea markets are small and each trip yields one or two treasures, if I’m lucky..!
Great post + photos..:)
Just a great little romp! Thanks!
I came across your blog while doing my Brimfield ads. You have a good eye! I did notice all the foriegn buyers there as well as many of the west coast buyers who usually go to Round top. I think many have come to realize that a lot of the Texas merch. originates up here. I’d like you to check out the website for my antiquing trip to Europe this winter. I think you would fit in with and enjoy the group. here’s the link: http://www.EuropeAntiqueTrip.com
Let me know if you have any interest or questions about it. JOE
I love the shoe bins-that color is my latest obsession.
I live a hop, skip and a jump from one of the old shoe factories here in Maine. Maybe I need to go raid the old warehouse.
I don’t know if anyone will ever read this comment but I had to leave it! I LOVE and LIVE FOR Brimfield every year! My husband and I live near Boston and one day I talked him into taking a ride “out to the country” – we just happened to get off at the Brimfield exit… were driving and driving and OUT OF NOWHERE… there it was! Heaven, heaven, heaven on earth! We drove for about 5 minutes it seemed with antiques staring at my from both side of the truck! I went back the next day and the obsession began! The first fair of the year is next week and I can’t wait! if you ever come to Boston again, I would love to meet up! So funny, I just read your Beantown post and I have a loaf of Flour’s Bakery banana bread cooking in my oven – it’s a sign!
Those bins are to die for…OMG so great and that big enamel sink holy cow! Great stuff!